tracking watches

Audrey22

Does anyone have experience of tracking watches?

My husband can get slightly lost when driving so I would like to get ahead of the game.

We are not terribly well off so am looking for something simple but effective.

ronda b

He really probably should not be driving. They do have an app called 360 that can track him when he is out as long as he has his phone. But he really should not be driving.

Cranddi

When my wife was still able to take the car out I started using 2 different tools that didn't require her to wear a tracking watch (she didn't think it was necessary). The first was an app called "Life360". You download it on each of your phones and it allows you to see where they are. The second is an Apple AirTag. I put it in her car and I could see her in the Apple "Find My" app. I started this before she had any trouble and I'm glad I did. One day she came up to a detour and was unable to figure out a new route. I could see where she was and talked her through an alternate route. Soon after the doctor ordered a OT driving test and she failed miserably. Not only was she cognitively impaired, but the disease had also dangerously affected her ability to react to unusual events (car breaking suddenly or changing lanes, child stepping into the street). Fortunately this was discovered in a simulator before anyone was hurt. She had to stop driving immediately. It was not easy. If you're considering tracking him for when he gets lost, he probably shouldn't be driving. You may want to talk to your doctor about ordering an Occupational Therapy driver's test. You're going to need some back up to take this on.

Audrey22

Thank you both for your ideas.

SDianeL

I would use the Apple AirTag. If he loses his phone or it gets damaged the phone apps won’t help. Also if your DH has been diagnosed with memory loss and he’s in an accident, even if it isn’t his fault, you could be sued and lose everything and your insurance could refuse to pay. He should no longer be driving in my opinion.

Biggles

I agree with the others he probably shouldn’t be driving at all. This disease is such a horrible robbing thing. However after a number of expensive trials this watch is totally brilliant. . You can dial in on your phone and track the wearer, you can phone the wearer he answers by pressing a green dot no passwords or codes (When my DH first got the watch he answered our sons call over 1500kl from us and it was extremely clear) if he has a fall it will automatically call one of three registered numbers that you have programmed in. It has a leather or a magnetic band and looks ‘normal’ you charge it like an iwatch (which I have) it comes with a chip and costs around $Aus40 annually to set up. When my DH was still able to wander the shopping centres I lost him on a number of occasions and had to both phone him and track him. He also did a ‘Houdini’ and escaped out of the front gate, I panicked then rang his watch and a lady who had been walking her dog, found him, pressed the green button on his wrist and talked to me, told me where he was It’s really an excellent piece of equipment and he can no longer tell the time but he loves wearing it makes him feel good. I think it cost about A$300. Rather sad isn’t it.

CampCarol

My DH won’t wear a watch. Before he was diagnosed he got lost once, was gone for hours and freaked me out. I bought Apple AirTags for both our cars and both of our wallets then. He no longer drives, and we got rid of his car. I still have the remaining 3 in play for ‘just in case’.

Marchbanks

I use the share my location function on his iPhone but since it’s often not charged or he forgets to bring it, I also put an AirTag in his wallet. Both of those things together have saved me a few times and cost is minimal.

sandwichone123

I put the Air Tag on his keyring. I'd bought a custom one with a heart on it, so it was something he loved to keep.

Russinator

He really should not be driving.

harshedbuzz

If your DH is getting lost in your community, he is no longer safe to drive. Full stop.

If he has a diagnosis of dementia in his medical records, your insurance policy may no longer be valid. Ask you agent.

HB